Should I renew my retirement visa now or wait until November?

Question

First of all thank you for accepting me into the group.  
Living in immigration hell (aka Chiang Mai) I have always used a visa service. 
They now want nearly 8000 thb ($250 US)  to renew my retirement visa.  
Being retired $500 for me and hubby has now officially reached my F you I will do it myself threshold.  
My current visa expires mid June.  I am headed back to USA/Europe for 5 to 6 months.
My questions are:
1) Should I renew my Visa now or start over in November?  I have been here 5 years if that makes a difference.
2) what is the cost of a renewal vs a new visa? 
I am only interested in a single entry as I have never traveled out of country more than twice a year.  
3) If I renew now when should I start the process?. Current departure date is end of May.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user in Chiang Mai is contemplating renewing their retirement visa for the upcoming trip back to the USA/Europe while considering the high fees they incurred from visa services. They seek advice on whether to renew now or wait, the costs associated with renewal versus obtaining a new visa, and the appropriate timeline to start the renewal process before their departure in late May. Comments from the community provide insights into the costs associated with different services, necessary documentation, and the recommended timing for visa renewals.

Colin ******* · Answer

Your lucky 8000baht to re new your visa!!!!

It's double that in Pattaya so think yourself lucky..

Admittedly if you do it on your own then it is small money. But your retired ffs so chill out and relax and try spending your retirement fund on somebody who can do it for ya cheaply and stop your whingeing!! You sound like my mother bless her!!

Ivan ************ · Answer

Mary bear in mind there are tiered levels of service available from the agents, you can do most of it yourself in terms of the documentation and then just hire a queue sitter to turn up early in the morning and get you a number. You'd then go out later and do the actual extension yourself but without having to get up at the crack of dawn. This could work out a lot cheaper than the "full service" extension service.

Alan ******* · Answer

I just got my first 1- year extension of stay, using an agency (because I’ve done enough filling out forms in my life). Here’s the cost:

Extension fee, 1900 + 3000 for agent

Optional Multiple re-entry fee, 3800 + 500 for agent

Total 9200

The agent came to my house with the forms all ready to sign, collected my passport, and will call me when it’s time to go to the office to get my passport back.

Considering the amount of running around, and especially waiting in line, this saves me, I’m satisfied.

Mary ******** · Answer

Any idea if I still have to show up at 4 am to get a spot in line?

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted], to save yourself the money you have been paying an agent to "push paper" (get your extensions of stay) just stop by the immigration office and get the hand out that lists the documentation required.

Also in Chiang Mai you can apply for an extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current one. There is NO need to wait until it is almost expiring because they ADD the new year's extension to the expiration date of the old one so you don't lose time by going early.

Mary ******** · Answer

As am american I just use the certification of income form provided by the consulate.  Small BKK bank balance for immediate needs.

Jennifer ********* · Answer

There are also a lot of requirements about how  many copies of everything you need. AND a new picture too.

Jennifer ********* · Answer

I had a big problem because I rarely update my bank passbook since i do most of my business with internet banking. If you don't update your passbook regularly, the bank aggregates your transactions every three months. So when I showed them that they couldn't really tell how long the 800,000 baht had been there. Sooooo, if you too don't get your passbook updated regularly (and transact a lot of business online) be sure you go to the bank and get them to print out ALL your transactions for the year just to be safe.

Mary ******** · Answer

Is notification of stay the 90 day reporting thing?

Robert ******* · Answer

Easy is to visit Immigration and ask the hand out with requirements, but normally it is: Updated bank book with 3 months minimum 800.000 Thb on your name, or income letter of minimum 65.000 Thb a month from your Embassy or a combination of both no less than 800.000 Thb. Copy of passport: ID, Visa, Extension and departure card. Notification of Stay, passport picture, application form and the fee of 1.900 Thb.

Jennifer ********* · Answer

I don't think the forms are rocket science but you should start the process soon in case they keep sending you back for something you forgot. Also, if you renew it, no matter when you do it, the visa will always have the same start date etc. as the current one.

Should I renew my retirement visa now or wait until November?

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